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Herbalist

Herbalists advise people about the use of herbs and dietary supplements to maintain good health and relieve symptoms related to conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, asthma, skin disorders or stomach ailments.

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

Interest in handling varieties of herbs used as sources of healing; may sell these herbs

DIRECTIVE

Interest in instructing patients on the proper use of herbs to treat disorders

Reading Interest Codes

A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.

Practical herbalists working in herbal or health food stores answer customers' questions and make recommendations. Those working in herbal wellness centres generally conduct lengthier interviews and may be more knowledgeable.

Working Conditions

Updated Oct 20, 2014

Herbalists may work in private homes, stores, clinics (sometimes alongside chiropractors, naturopaths or other health practitioners), wellness centres or greenhouses. Lifting up to 10 kilograms may be required.

Hours of work vary and may include some evenings and weekends. Sometimes, clients call herbalists for advice outside of regular working hours.

Strength Required
Lift up to 10 kg

Skills & Abilities

Updated Oct 20, 2014

Herbalists need the following characteristics:

a genuine interest in working with people on a one-to-one basis and in improving client health

the ability to communicate and get along well with all kinds of people

a willingness to upgrade their knowledge of herbology and natural medicines on an ongoing basis.

They should enjoy talking to people, analyzing information and handling herbs.

Educational Requirements

Updated Oct 20, 2014

The practice of herbology is not regulated in Alberta. There are no standard minimum education or training requirements. However, practising herbalists strongly recommend education or training in herbology, nutrition, anatomy and physiology.

The Ontario Herbalist Association reviews training programs offered across Canada and lists approved programs on their website. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective herbalists should discuss their training options with practising herbalists.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Three and four year programs in Traditional Chinese Medicine may include courses in herbology (for more information, see the Acupuncturist occupational profile).

Certification Requirements

Updated Oct 20, 2014

Self-employed herbalists may be required to have a municipal business license and should have some form of malpractice insurance.

Employment & Advancement

Updated Oct 20, 2014

Herbalists work in:

health food stores

chiropractic offices

physiotherapy clinics

herbal healing centres

wellness centres.

They may be employed by others or set up their own shops or private practices. Some herbalists:

work with medical or naturopathic doctors

grow herbs for sale

manufacture herbal products and sell them wholesale to distributors

formulate herbal products

provide consulting services.

Advancement in this occupation generally takes the form of building a larger client base or offering other alternative health services (for example, providing diet and lifestyle recommendations, bioresonance therapy).

Herbalists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 3232: Practitioners of Natural Healing. In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the Health Care and Social Assistance (PDF) industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

Treatment fees charged by self-employed clinical herbologists vary considerably. Their take-home pay for any given period depends on the number of clients they see and their overhead costs (for example, the cost of renting office space). Some herbalists supplement their incomes via product sales from dispensaries.

Related High School Subjects

Science

Biology

Chemistry

Related Post-Secondary Field of Study

Health Care and Medical Sciences

Human Ecology, Fashion and Food Sciences

Personal and Food Services

Other Sources of Information

Updated Oct 20, 2014

Canadian Herbalist's Association of British Columbia website: www.chaofbc.ca

Updated Mar 20, 2014. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.